
28 Kid-Friendly Restaurants in Columbus & Suburbs
This interactive list of 28 kid-friendly restaurants in Columbus and the suburbs is built from real parent recommendations. Let's help each other find the family restaurants where eating out with kids actually feels like a break!
Chime in with your reviews about the food, family atmosphere and overall experience at any of these spots, or add another one of your favorite family-friendly restaurants in Columbus (or nearby) to the list.
You can find a great deal on your family meal with our list of kids eat free spots near Columbus.
Katalina's
Kelly R said: The menu at Katalina's is filled with homemade creations that are Latin/Southern/delicious, and elevated far beyond its unassuming origins - the original location is housed in a former gas station! Try the famous pancake balls, filled with Nutella, dulce de leche, or local pumpkin-apple butter. The diverse menu also includes soups, sandwiches, tacos, and much more. Ethical, local, and organic ingredients are used whenever possible. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.
Columbus, OHBreakfast, Brunch, Lunch
Hofbräuhaus Columbus
Kelly R said: Hofbräuhaus Columbus' large menu includes German specialties and more traditional favorites, with something to appeal to everyone. Beer is brewed on site. Check out their calendar for upcoming live music and family night events where kids eat free.
Columbus, OHBrunch, Lunch, Dinner
Dewey's Pizza
Kelly R said: Dewey's offers a menu of specialty pizzas with options from safe to sophisticated, and the diverse and creative toppings are also available to build your own pie (thanks for getting my kids hooked on prosciutto!). All pies can be ordered half-and-half, so everyone can get what they want. Don't skip over the salads, which are delicious and creative and plenty large enough to share. The service is welcoming and attentive, and the large window looking into the kitchen means you might get to fit in some adult conversation while the kids watch the pizzas being tossed and assembled.
Worthington, OHLunch and Dinner
DK Diner
Katie G. said: Head to the quaint neighborhood of Grandview Heights to enjoy a family meal at DK Diner, serving up traditional diner food in a casual environment. Start the day off with a tasty homemade donut, homemade pancakes or several egg specialties. Lunch and dinner selections include burgers, salads, sandwiches, chicken tenders and more all served with fresh cut chips. Breakfast is served all day. The donuts are popular on the weekends and will sell out, so get there early.
Columbus, OHBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Akai Hana
Kelly R said: This is a family favorite for sushi lovers, both for their excellent sushi (and other Japanese dishes) and for the great job they do of catering to kids. The atmosphere is welcoming, and the menu includes offerings for children.
Columbus, OHLunch and Dinner
Local Roots
Kelly R said: This popular spot in Powell prepares its food using as many local and seasonal ingredients as possible. The menu is fresh and high quality, with creative appetizers, sandwiches, salads, pizzas, and other seasonal entrees. A gluten free menu is also offered. The kids menu has plenty of options, and kids can mix and match entrees and sides for a custom meal. Local Roots also has a great happy hour.
Powell, OHLunch and Dinner
Tanuki
Kelly R said: Tanuki is a Japanese steak house and sushi bar, and their hibachi experience is a big hit with many families. It's a really fun way to celebrate a special occasion or birthday!
Powell, OHLunch and Dinner
Azteca Mexican Grill
Kelly R said: Azteca Mexican Grill in Powell is family-owned and welcoming, serving up traditional and modern Mexican food. The children's menu offers Mexican options and classic kid favorites.
Powell, OHBrunch, Lunch, Dinner
The Dublin Village Tavern
Katie G. said: Located in the heart of downtown Dublin, the Dublin Village Tavern offers a menu of Irish-themed options for lunch and dinner including Irish egg rolls, corned beef, shepherd's pie and fish and chips. American favorites include burgers, sandwiches, soups and salads. The "pub" is very laid-back and kid-friendly and there's a nice outdoor patio to enjoy during the warmer months.
Dublin, OHLunch and Dinner
The Olive Tree
Kelly R said: The Olive Tree serves authentic, freshly prepared Mediterranean dishes. Popular offerings include shawarma, shish kabobs, gyros, spanakopita, and a variety of creative hummus dishes. There are quite a few vegetarian and vegan options. The atmosphere is friendly and relaxed, and families are welcome.
Hilliard, OHBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Starliner Diner
Katie G. said: Starliner Diner is a fun, eclectic eatery offering Cuban-inspired dishes with American and Southwest influences. The restaurant is known for their breakfast, serving huevos rancheros, breakfast burritos, omelets and pancakes. Lunch and dinner features include the Cuban sandwich, burritos, salads and pizza. While waiting for your food, be sure to admire the funky artwork on the walls which is sure to be a conversation starter for the whole family.
Hilliard, OHBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
LaRosa's
Kelly R said: LaRosa's is a family pizzeria serving up their famous pizza and a variety of salads, pastas, hoagies and more.
Dublin, OHLunch and Dinner
Der Dutchman Restaurant
Katie G. said: Der Dutchman Restaurant located in Plain City offers homestyle Amish cooking in a cozy, friendly environment. Known for their all-you-can-eat buffets, breakfast items include fried mush, biscuits and gravy, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, fruit, yogurt and fresh pastries. When finished eating, stop by the bakery to take home donuts or a pie to enjoy later that day.
Plain City, OHBreakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Primary photo: Juan Manuel Giraldo Grisales on Unsplash
Upparent collects community-submitted recommendations and reviews, and any ideas that are shared reflect the opinions of individual contributors.